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Vanessa
is a thirty three year old woman who has cerebral palsy and until recently,
was completely dependent on others for transport.
After learning to cope with the loss of independence and stigma she had experienced as a result of her disability, Vanessa’s inability to walk far and a lack of confidence made it almost impossible for her to use public transport. She had always suffered from problems with her knees but those problems were beginning to get worse, especially in cold and damp weather.
It has always been Vanessa's dream to train as a teacher or classroom assistant and the first step towards achieving this dream was to gain work as a volunteer in local primary schools, she also needed to be able to travel to and from work independently. Vanessa could not afford to buy a car but she had been assessed as having the necessary mobility, balance and exercise tolerance to use a tricycle safely. As well as helping to improve her confidence, it was agreed that using a tricycle would provide Vanessa with moderate exercise, improving her physical health and helping to maintain flexibility and strength in her joints.
We awarded Vanessa a grant of £445 which enabled her to purchase a tricycle. She can now take part in family activities and her fitness is growing and with an overall improvement in her sense of well-being, the best outcome of the grant has been Vanessa’s new feeling of independence and confidence.
She can now go places and visit people without having to rely on others to take her because of her physical limitations. She has a sense of freedom from riding her bike that her physical condition does not usually allow her. This has not only benefited her mentally and emotionally but has also improved her health. Vanessa got in touch to let us know how much having the trike has improved her life;
Thank you very much for your assistance, I was overjoyed when my bike arrived. In all honesty, I could not have had a better gift. My tricycle is wonderful and in this short time, it has changed my life. For the first time ever I can go cycling with my nieces. I can even go out on snow which I did! Normally I cannot go out alone.
The tricycle enables my disability to dissipate as I encounter none of my normal problems when I ride my trike. I visited relatives for the first time in a year as they usually have to visit us, so I surprised a few people appearing on their doorsteps!
I can manage distances that I cannot walk. This would not have
been possible without your kindness and generosity. I'm overwhelmed when I
think of your gift. Thank you is just not enough. I'm also happier and I'm
sure much healthier too.
